Hi i just installed linux mint 8.0 i have a franklin cdu650 modem and i need to know how to install it i am new to linux so this is all new to me thanks Fred

Welcome aboard. This link:

http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-537979.html

deals with a similar Franklin modem. According to Franklins website, this device is supported under Linux, but they direct folks to talk to their providers for support/setup questions.

That said, others have reported later Franklin modems as 'just working', under various flavors of Linux. When you plug it in, a new device may be created. Before you plug it in, go to a terminal window, and type in "ls /dev/ttyU*", and see what results you get. Then, plug the device in, wait a few seconds, then repeat the command. Chances are, you'll see a /dev/ttyUSBx device (where x is some number, probably 0 or 1). That'll be your modem device.

Run a dialer program, like KPPP (under KDE), or Gnome-PPP for the Gnome desktop, and choose that device. Setup user names, passwords, etc., as you would for any modem connection. You can also use wvdialconf to set up things for wvdial. Wvdialconf will detect your modem, and set things up, too. There's lots of info available for all of those programs, the KDE and Gnome ones are GUI based, and very easy to follow..